GB RAILFREIGHT SUCCESSFULLY TRIALS INNOVATIVE BRAKE MONITORING SYSTEM

GB Railfreight (GBRf) announces a successful four-week test of an innovative new solution for monitoring wheel and brake issues. Developed in collaboration with Icomera, DG8 and SENSEi, this world-first system enables battery-powered sensors to remotely share status and out-of-tolerance alerts with drivers and operational control centres, whilst they perform vehicle pre-checks.

No known method has previously existed for delivering freight wagon brake sensor data to the driver in the locomotive wirelessly, via a closed system. When using the system, train drivers receive sensor data directly to an application on a tablet in their cabin. This allows them to take immediate action to mitigate against potential wheel or break-related risk factors as well as respond to real-time feedback on the results of their actions.

Following this successful test, the next set of solutions is currently being developed with further trials being scheduled.

David Golding, Asset Director, GB Railfreight, said: “Working with our trusted industry partners, we have proven the concept of a first-of-its-kind application in the rail sector. GBRf is really proud to be leading the freight industry by developing these innovative solutions to reduce incidents relating to wheel and brake issues.”